row counter polishing an absinthe glass. He bowed politely and asked
my business.

"Can I have lunch?" I asked.

"Oui, monsieur! Cer-tain-lee. If monsieur will walk upstairs I will take
his order."

Waving his hand in the direction of a staircase in the corner of the
shop he again bowed elaborately, while I, following the direction he
indicated, proceeded to the room above. It was long and lofty, commanded
an excellent view of both thoroughfares, and was furnished with a few
inferior pictures, half a dozen small marble-top tables, and four times
as many chairs.

When I entered three men were in occupation. Two were playing chess at a
side table, while the third, who had evidently no connection with them,
was watching the game from a distance, at the same time pretending to be
absorbed in his paper. Seating myself at a table near the door, I
examined the bill of fare, selected my lunch, and in order to amuse
myself while it was preparing, fell to scrutinizing my companions.

Of the chess-players, one was a big, burly fellow, with enormous arms,
protruding rheumy eyes, a florid complexion, and a voluminous red beard.
His opponent was of a much smaller build, with pale features, a tiny
moustache, and watery blue eyes. He wore a _pince-nez_, and from the
length of his hair and a dab of crimson lake upon his shirt cuff, I
argued him an artist.

Leaving the chess-players, my eyes lighted on the stranger on the other
side. He was more interesting in every way. Indeed, I was surprised to
see a man of his stamp in the house at all. He was tall and slim, but
exquisitely formed, and plainly the possessor of enormous strength. His
head, if only from a phrenological point of view, was a magnificent one,
crowned with a wealth of jet-black hair. His eyes were dark as night,
and glittered like those of a snake. His complexion was of a decidedly
olive hue, though, as he sat in the shadow of the corner, it was
difficult to tell this at first sight.

But what most fascinated me about this curious individual was the
interest he was taking in the game the other men were playing. He kept
his eyes fixed upon the board, looked anxiously from one to the other as
a move trembled in the balance, smiled sardonically when his desires
were realized, and sighed almost aloud when a mistake was made.

Every moment I expected his anxiety or disappointment to find vent in
words, but he always managed to control himself. When he became excited
I